Transgender Works: Creating a Transgender-Inclusive Work Place

How do you create a workplace that is inclusive of trans people? Transgender – or trans – is an umbrella term for people whose gender identity differs from their sex assigned at birth. In a 2011 survey by the National Center for Transgender Equality and the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 90% of transgender individuals reported workplace mistreatment or discrimination, and 26% said they lost work because of their gender identity or expression [1].

While some cities and states have laws in place banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity, there is still no federal statute currently in place that offers employment protection for transgender or gender-nonconforming individuals [2]. Nevertheless, companies and organizations that are committed to equality are increasingly striving to institute policies against gender identity discrimination. Truly having a work place that is inclusive requires participation at all levels of an organization so that policies are implemented consistently and staff become part of creating a welcoming and affirming culture.

This video is designed to start a conversation about how employers and employees can change practices and policies to ensure that transgender people are treated respectfully and equally. It was created collaboratively between the IMPACT Program and the TransLife Center of Chicago House, whose TransWorks program provides job readiness workshops for transgender individuals and cultural competency trainings for employers.

For more information on how you can create a trans-inclusive work space, please visit: